Which of the following is a key environmental issue facing South Carolina’s parks?

Which of the following is a key environmental issue facing South Carolina’s parks?

• A. Pollution and littering
• B. Overcrowding by tourists
• C. Climate change and rising sea levels
• D. Invasive species management

Answer: (C)

Climate change and rising sea levels represent a significant environmental issue for South Carolina's parks due to the state's unique geography and extensive coastal areas. As temperatures rise globally, South Carolina's coastal ecosystems, which include marshes, beaches, and estuaries, are at risk of erosion and habitat loss. Additionally, rising sea levels can lead to saltwater intrusion, affecting freshwater resources and altering the natural habitats where various plant and animal species thrive. In South Carolina, the interaction between climate change and rising sea levels impacts not only the biodiversity of park ecosystems but also the recreational opportunities that parks offer to residents and tourists. As the natural landscapes change, park management must adapt to safeguard these vital ecosystems and maintain their accessibility and integrity for future generations. This focus on climate adaptation strategies emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship in park management.

Climate change and rising sea levels represent a significant environmental issue for South Carolina's parks due to the state's unique geography and extensive coastal areas. As temperatures rise globally, South Carolina's coastal ecosystems, which include marshes, beaches, and estuaries, are at risk of erosion and habitat loss. Additionally, rising sea levels can lead to saltwater intrusion, affecting freshwater resources and altering the natural habitats where various plant and animal species thrive.

In South Carolina, the interaction between climate change and rising sea levels impacts not only the biodiversity of park ecosystems but also the recreational opportunities that parks offer to residents and tourists. As the natural landscapes change, park management must adapt to safeguard these vital ecosystems and maintain their accessibility and integrity for future generations. This focus on climate adaptation strategies emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship in park management.